Recently in this blog I talked about how to mention your book in an interview. There are a whole host of tricks and tips that can help authors prepare for media interviews – for print, radio and TV, whether over the phone or in person. Here are some of the best I have found:
Before an interview
• Be familiar with the show – tune in before the interview if you can
• Be on a mission to share something with the world
• Know the audience listens with WIIFM (What’s In It For Me)
• Understand you are there to teach – and the more you teach, the more the audience will want to buy your book
• Teach the audience at least three things that will change their life today
• Ask the interviewer if they will give your website address or if it’s okay for you to give it at the end of the radio or TV interview
During the interview
• Smile – even over the phone – you can hear it in your voice
• Just be yourself and do your best
• Always give your best information first – work it into the conversation in case you don’t get the chance later on
• Always stay focussed on your message you want to get across – don’t get side tracked
• Mention the title of your book – it is okay to slip it in during interviews
• Give tips from the book
• Always agree with the interviewer
• Avoid industry jargon – use simple, easy to understand information
• Use humour only if you absolutely feel confident
• Speak at the pace of the interviewer
To end the interview:
• Tell the audience where they can purchase your book
• Give your website address or let the host do it for you – tell the audience they can get FREE information – tips, recipes, information, reports – on your website to get them to go there
• When they get to your website, include links to buy your book.
After the interview:
• If pre-recorded, ask when the interview will be aired
• Get a testimonial if you can – write down what the interviewer/producer says about you
• Tell all your contacts when the show is being aired so they can tune in
Some of these tips were reprinted from “Rick Frishman’s Author 101 Newsletter” Go here to receive Rick’s “Million Dollar Rolodex” free – featuring 45 pages of contacts and resources for book publishing and publicity the USA.
Stay tuned here for more interview tips specifically for radio and TV interviews in Australia.
Yours in book publicity
Chelsea McLean
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